Teamsters Back Rubain Dorancy for Central Brooklyn Senate Seat

The Teamsters have hitched their wagon to Rubain Dorancy’s bid to take Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams’ old seat in the State Senate.

Council 16 of the union representing drivers of various trades decided to back the education activist in his primary race against Mr. Adams’ former aide Jesse Hamilton and Community Board 9 member Demetrius Lawrence. The labor group vowed to help haul the candidate all the way to the victory line.

“Rubain Dorancy stands for the progressive issues our members care about, like good jobs, infrastructure investments, and immigration reform,” Joint Council 16 President George Miranda told the Observer. “We will back up this endorsement with our resources come primary day to ensure his progressive yet pragmatic voice is heard in Albany.”

Mr. Dorancy said that the union’s decision is a sign his campaign has significant momentum.

“I am truly humbled to receive the endorsement of Teamsters Joint Council 16,” said Mr. Dorancy said. “These growing labor endorsements are not only a vote of confidence in me, but a resounding affirmation in our shared belief that we can not accept the status quo any longer.

But Mr. Dorancy is not the only contender with union support. To date Mr. Hamilton has received the endorsements of 32BJ SEIU, the Communication Workers of American Local 1180, Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12, the Bridge and Tunnel Officers Benevolent Association. He also has the backing of Mr. Adams, while Mr. Dorancy has the support of Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and her mother, former Councilwoman Una Clarke.

Mr. Lawrence has yet to secure any major endorsements.

The seat has been vacant since Mr. Adams became borough president in January.